The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68640

Geoffrey M. Reed, PhD, Practice Directorate, The American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, 202-336-5797, gmreed@apa.org

The American Psychological Association (APA) has implemented an Internet-based data collection system known as PracticeNetTM that surveys licensed psychologists about what transpires during the delivery of services. Participants are volunteer APA members who provide clinical services in any setting. PracticeNet members are representative of APA provider members in terms of gender, age and ethnicity. PracticeNet uses Real-Time Behavior Sampling (RTBS) methodology to collect provider reports about a single, specific, recent encounter of care at a randomly selected time. RTBS reduces sources of reporting inaccuracy common in conventional survey methods (e.g., mental averaging, subjective inferences). A recent survey funded by the federal Center for Substance Abuse Treatment included 291 provider participants (75% survey response rate) reporting on 267 individual clients (60% female, 82% white, average age 37 years). Over 75% of the selected clients were seen in private practice. Primary Axis 1 diagnoses were most often mood disorders, followed by anxiety disorders. Over 80% of the provider participants reported having discussed substance use with the selected client, and 24% of clients had an established or suspected substance-related problem. However, only 50% of clients identified as having a potential substance abuse problem had a substance-related diagnosis. Only 10 clients were assigned primary substance use diagnoses, and an additional 15 were assigned secondary Axis 1 substance use diagnoses. Use of empirically supported psychotherapy treatment approaches (e.g. motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy) for substance abuse was common. These findings provide a unique window into psychological practice, particularly in the private sector.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: (
• Describe the Real-Time Behavior Sampling methodology utilized by the American Psychological Association’s PracticeNet to collect information about a single client encounter at a given point in time. (
• Discuss the extent to which psychologists encounter clients with substance abuse problems and/or formal diagnoses of substance abuse disorders. (
• Identify common treatment practices employed by psychologists for clients with substance use problems.

Keywords: Mental Health, Substance Abuse

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Center for Substance Abue Treatment (CSAT). The American Psychological Association.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee of the American Psychological Association